Chocolate Banana Black Bean Smoothie

This smoothie adds a little extra protein and fiber into my kids’ day and is one of my favorite quick breakfasts. The black beans make it extra creamy and filling, but you honestly can’t taste them. It tastes like a chocolate banana milkshake while using simple ingredients that are often available through Birch.

What You’ll Need

• 2 frozen bananas

• 2 packets chocolate Breakfast Essentials

• 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained very well

• 1/4 teaspoon banana extract (optional, for extra banana flavor)

• 1/4 cup nut butter or powdered peanut butter

• A few ice cubes

• Milk, to desired thickness

• Optional: handful of spinach

How to Make It

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.

2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

3. Add additional milk as needed until it reaches your preferred consistency.

4. Taste and adjust if needed- sometimes we add a little extra banana or peanut butter depending on what the kids are into that day.

Tips

• No Greek yogurt? Regular yogurt works too.

• Any milk works here: dairy, oat, almond, soy, etc.

• Spinach blends in easily without changing the flavor much.

• Freeze overripe bananas ahead of time for easy smoothies later.

• Try adding oats for an even more filling breakfast.